Perimenopause doesn’t start with hot flashes – it starts with YOU feeling..off
Perimenopause sneaks in long before the classic symptoms of menopause. While most women expect hot flashes, the real struggle often starts with emotional shifts, mood swings, and unexplained exhaustion. The good news? There are ways to balance your body and reclaim your energy.
Perimenopause can make you want to pull your hair out. [Side note: hair loss is a symptom of perimenopause.]
Starting in the mid-30s, women begin to experience hormonal fluctuations (that they may or may not be aware of), causing the previously mentioned symptoms to be exacerbated by sleeplessness, depression/ anxiety and fatigue – it’s a vicious cycle.
Many women who seek my expertise on hormonal imbalances report their most frustrating symptoms during perimenopause to be weight gain, lower libido and decreased cognitive function (for example, memory loss or brain fog). The physical outcomes of perimenopause might seem overwhelming because you are not sure if your symptoms are real or only exist in your imagination.
My role is to guide women through perimenopause in ways that are healthy, natural, and tailored to their changing bodies. Perimenopause is a time when women can take a proactive approach and transform how they feel – both physically and mentally.
An interesting study by Abbie Smith-Ryan, Ph.D., correlates improved body composition and increased physical activity to alleviate symptoms during perimenopause.
So, how do you improve your body composition?
While this study recommends vigorous workouts starting in your 30s, that may change as you age. At some point, you might notice that your body stops responding to cardio the way it once did – that is an indicator of perimenopause. I teach women the importance of stress management activities like yoga, hiking, climbing or walking as they age into their 40s and 50s. These movements help improve mood, support weight loss and encourage sleep. In addition to cardio and resistance work, it’s essential to incorporate strength-building exercises that increase muscle mass.
At Colorado Natural Medicine & Acupuncture, we offer a personalized approach to healthcare. We understand that each woman’s experience with perimenopause is unique, and we work to get to the root of your symptoms and optimize your health by building a plan that incorporates all aspects of your wellness. It’s not a one-size-fits-all approach but a plan that values your individual needs and experiences.
Just as hormonal balance can improve your physical well-being, your physical well-being can improve your hormonal balance.
Want to get proactive about perimenopause?
Let’s tackle it together I offer a free 15-minute consultation that you can schedule online or by calling (303) 688-6698.
It’s the perfect time to ask questions and express your concerns. We can tailor strategies for hormonal balance that are just right for you – leaving you with a sense of purpose and control over how you will live amidst a changing hormonal landscape.
Dr. Graves, ND, LAc, owns Colorado Natural Medicine & Acupuncture, which is located in the south Denver Metro Area.
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